WEEKLY MESSAGE – May 24, 2024
WEEKLY MESSAGE – May 24th – Bishop McGregor
This week I attended the annual diocesan clergy conference about congregational development. The primary focus is to grow a healthy congregation. One of the models they shared with us was regarding the Benedictine Life. Its premise is that there are three components of a good spiritual life. First, one must have stability in his or her life. It’s about having balance and rhythm in one’s life and community (St. David’s). Secondly, it’s also about obedience. It’s not necessarily about obeying as one understands it in the English language but rather from the Latin word (Obedir) which means to listen. One is to listen to God and listen to his people (community). The third component is the Conversion of Life. Ultimately, it’s about one’s conversion and renewal to Christ. But in order to get there, one has to make significant choices at the moment of change.
What does this mean for me and you at St. David’s in the Pines? In order for us to have a good spiritual life, it means that we need to make space for balance and rhythms in our lives and to listen to God and others while making significant choices which bring about change for each other and for the community. One recent example is that we started a healing service last Sunday (third Sunday of each month). We had approximately 40 people in attendance, more than what we anticipated. It was an amazing time: starting out with the healing litany, calling on the Holy Spirit, praying for one’s self and for others, laying hands on others, listening to God, worshiping God, anointing with oil and providing space for God. The healing team didn’t want to leave because of the God’s presence was vivid and real.
And it’s true! Why would we want to leave the Presence of the One who loves us most deeply? Thanks be to God for the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the promise that God is with us everywhere, all the time.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sandwiches for St. George’s: Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot on Wednesday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the ECW. Next week will be hosted by the Daughters of the King.
St. David’s Annual Dinner Dance will be held on Saturday, June 22nd at 6:00 p.m. – 11 p.m. at the Village Walk Town Center Club, located at 2500 Village Walk Circle, Wellington. The theme is Black and White Masquerade with Music through the Decades. Silent auction and 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $100 per person which includes an open bar. Tickets are now on sale. For more information, please contact Dennis Wright at 203-482-5079, Laurie Cohen at 561-262-9898, or Yvonne Elliott at the church office 561-793-1976. If you would like to make a donation or become a sponsor for this event, please clink on the attached link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lLd4uoT4z0mwo2vhgdK5fR8f4sSGXU0M/view?usp=drive_link
The men have been asked to donate a breakfast basket for the dinner dance. If you would like to donate, please contact Jim McKeown at 561-254-3873 or email at Jimckeown@comcast.net by June 9th.
ECW will be having a tour of The Bulk Candy Store, 235 N. Jog Road on Saturday, June 1st at 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch at Hilary’s. A sign-up sheet will be on the credenza in the narthex. Limited 15 people cost is $10.00 paid to Linda McKeown by May 30th. Open to everyone, including children.
The Book of Common Prayer. Bishop Todd will be having three (3) informational classes on the Book of Common Prayer. The first one will be on Sunday, June 2nd at 11:30 a.m. in the church. The following classes will be on Sunday, July 28th and Sunday, August 4th. All are invited.
Sunday school is open and available for children starting at age 3 years old. We would love to have new teachers in our Sunday school, if you are interested in helping, please contact Katie Waters at katiewaters@hotmail.com.
Vestry Meeting is scheduled on Sunday, June 9th at 11:30 a.m. in the Sunday school classroom.
Youth Group Bible Study is scheduled on Sunday at 9:00 a.m. in the school classroom. Snacks will be served. Bring your Bible.
Bible Study at 9:00 a.m. is scheduled on Sunday in the Sunday school classroom.
Women’s Bible Study is on recess until Sunday, September 8th.
Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist/Morning Prayers at 8:30 a.m.
Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.
Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass. There are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel. See the links listed below.
Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://www.myEoffering.com with our secure vendor Church Envelope Budget Company, who provides you with yearly offering envelopes. Please do NOT leave any envelopes with checks/cash unattended at church mailboxes.
PLEASE PRAY. For the sick: Audley, Bernadette, Bishop Curry, Carol, Dennis, Diana, Dorothy, Dudley, Emily, Grace, Jameson, Jim, Lloyd, Megan, Michael, Pearl, Peggy, Phyllis, Predrag, Robin, Ronald, Shelley, Shirley, Tanner, Teresa, Tom, Violet. For birthday celebrations: Jay Webber, Alice Valderrama, Nicole Thompson. For our search committee Howard Barrett, Jenifer Elmore, Janice Jacques, Kristi Lee, Sera Peat, Yvonne Wolliston, Cecil Wray.
Vestry Members: Howard Barrett – Senior Warden, Laurette Bagley, Kenneth Barnett, Jenifer Elmore, Matthew Hogan, Karlene Kiminyo, Chris LaBorde – Secretary, Linda McKeown, Irene Oknewski, Yvonne Wolliston, John Webber – Junior Warden, Dennis Wright – Treasurer.
WEEKLY MESSAGE – May 17, 2024
WEEKLY MESSAGE – May 17th – Bishop McGregor
Happy Pentecost
The word “Pentecost” is Greek, meaning fifty, reflecting the fifty-day countdown after Easter. It is one of three great Jewish pilgrimage festivals (the others being Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles). Pentecost is also known as the Feast of Harvest or Feast of Weeks (seven weeks after the Passover). It was a time when the people thanked God for the giving of their harvest. In this case it was first fruits of the harvest.
After the temple was destroyed in 70 AD, the Jews changed this celebration to focus more on the giving of the Torah (the first five books of the temple.
For us Christians, Pentecost is a major feast for us as we thank God for giving us the Holy Spirit which dwells within every Christian. Secondly, we celebrate Pentecost as the inauguration of the Church’s mission in the world. Empowered by the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are to go out into our neighborhoods and the wider world; Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth, witnessing to the risen Christ.
What does witnessing look like for you in your neighborhood? In your county? In your world?
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sandwiches for St. George’s: Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot on Wednesday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Daughters of the King. Next week will be hosted by the ECW.
Bunco is scheduled on Saturday, May 25th at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Bring a dish to share – and we will have someone to watch the little ones. $10 per person, with 3 separate cash prizes – even if you lose! Honestly, where are you going to find that?! Hope to see you there!
Choral Evensong is scheduled this Sunday, May 19th at 4:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall.
A Healing Service to be held on the 3rd Sunday of every month in the church starting this Sunday immediately after the 10:00 a.m. service. This will be for those who are grieving and would like special prayers. It is also open to non-parishioners.
St. David’s Annual Dinner Dance will be held on Saturday, June 22nd at 6:00 p.m. – 11 p.m. at the Village Walk Town Center Club, located at 2500 Village Walk Circle, Wellington. The theme is Black and White Masquerade with Music through the Decades. Silent auction and 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $100 per person which includes an open bar. Tickets are now on sale. For more information and tickets, please contact Dennis Wright at 203-482-5079, Laurie Cohen at 561-262-9898, or Yvonne Elliott at the church office 561-793-1976.
The men have been asked to donate a breakfast basket for the dinner dance. If you would like to donate, please contact Jim McKeown at 561-254-3873 or email at Jimckeown@comcast.net by June 9th.
ECW will be having a tour of The Bulk Candy Store, 235 N. Jog Road on Saturday, June 1st at 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch at Hilary’s. A sign-up sheet will be on the credenza in the narthex. Limited 15 people cost is $10.00 paid to Linda McKeown by May 30th. Open to everyone, including children.
The Book of Common Prayer. Bishop Todd will be having three (3) informational classes on the Book of Common Prayer. The first one will be on Sunday, June 2nd at 11:30 a.m. in the church. The following classes will be on Sunday, July 28th and Sunday, August 4th. All are invited.
Sunday school is open and available for children starting at age 3 years old. We would love to have new teachers in our Sunday school, if you are interested in helping, please contact Katie Waters at katiewaters@hotmail.com.
The Youth Group and Acolyte Breakfast is scheduled this Sunday, May 19th at 9:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall. There will be a Burger Social (at either BurgerFi or Five Guys) on Sunday, May 26th after the 10:00 a.m. service to kick off the summer!
Bible Study Group meets at 9:00 a.m. every Sunday in the Sunday school classroom.
Women’s Bible Study is on recess until Sunday, September 8th.
Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist at 8:30 a.m.
Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.
Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass. There are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel. See the links listed below.
Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://www.myEoffering.com with our secure vendor Church Envelope Budget Company, who provides you with yearly offering envelopes. Please do NOT leave any envelopes with checks/cash unattended at church mailboxes.
LEASE PRAY. For the sick: Audley, Bernadette, Bishop Curry, Carol, Dennis, Diana, Dorothy, Dudley, Emily, Grace, Jameson, Jim, Lloyd, Megan, Michael, Pearl, Peggy, Phyllis, Predrag, Robin, Ronald, Shelley, Shirley, Tanner, Teresa, Tom, Violet. For birthday celebrations: Andrew Elmore, Denise Wilson, Virginia Barley-Brabham, Debra Gonzalez, Jordyn Beresford. For anniversary celebration: Laurie and Irwin Cohen. For our search committee Howard Barrett, Jenifer Elmore, Janice Jacques, Kristi Lee, Sera Peat, Yvonne Wolliston, Cecil Wray.
Vestry Members: Howard Barrett – Senior Warden, Laurette Bagley, Kenneth Barnett, Jenifer Elmore, Matthew Hogan, Karlene Kiminyo, Chris LaBorde – Secretary, Linda McKeown, Irene Oknewski, John Webber – Junior Warden, Dennis Wright – Treasurer.
WEEKLY MESSAGE – May 10, 2024
WEEKLY MESSAGE – May 10th- Bishop McGregor
This week Patsy and I are hosting a new friend of ours, named Jonah. He is a Kenyan priest, who is studying at one of the Episcopal seminaries in Sewanee, Tennessee. We have spent much time talking about African and American cultures, families and friends. It has been invigorating and encouraging to both myself and my wife. Because we lived in Kenya for four years, we have some friends and commonalities about his homeland. But most of all, we were able to pray and study the Bible together. There is something about praying and studying the Bible which rises above any cultural, economical, educational, social and political barriers. Somehow, when we focus on God, it lifts us above the temporal to the eternal as we transcend into the sacredness of God and one another. The Celtic missions call this sacredness, the thin places between heaven and earth, where God is known. May your day, week, month and year be filled with thin places.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sandwiches for St. George’s: Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot on Wednesday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the men of the Congregation. Next week will be hosted by the Daughters of the King.
Choral Evensong is scheduled on Sunday, May 19th at 4:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall. We need donations of food and beverage. A sign-up sheet will be in the narthex this Sunday.
St. David’s Annual Dinner Dance will be held on Saturday, June 22nd at 6:00 p.m. – 11 p.m. at the Village Walk Town Center Club, located at 2500 Village Walk Circle, Wellington. The theme is Black and White Masquerade with Music through the Decades. Tickets are $100 per person which includes an open bar. Tickets are now on sale. For more information, please contact Dennis Wright at 203-482-5079, Laurie Cohen at 561-262-9898, or Yvonne Elliott at the church office 561-793-1976.
St. David’s School Family Fund Day, Saturday, May 18th at 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. St. David’s Church Grounds. We will have an online auction for many items, a live raffle in the Parish Hall, water slides, obstacle course, games, order in advance for Pizza at stdavidspto01@gmail.com, ice cream truck. Auction items will include: Tickets to the Kennedy Space Center, Florida Themed Basket (includes local honey, cooler, Florida wall art, local restaurants and Publix gift cards, plus much more), Cox Science Center, Legos Basket, hotels, restaurants and local attractions.
The Book of Common Prayer. Bishop Todd will be having three (3) informational classes on the Book of Common Prayer. The first class will be on Sunday, June 2nd at 11:30 a.m. in the church. The following classes will be on Sundays, July 28th and August 4th. All are invited.
Stewardship Questionnaire. Please turn in your stewardship talent questionnaires this Sunday either online or in person in the basket by the offering plates in the back of the church. Thanks. Linda
Sunday school is open and available for children starting at age 3 years old. We would love to have new teachers in our Sunday school. If you are interested in helping, please contact Katie Waters at katiewaters@hotmail.com.
A Healing Service to be held on the 3rd Sunday of every month in the church starting on Sunday, May 19th immediately after the 10:00 a.m. service. This will be for those who are grieving and would like special prayers. It is also open to non-parishioners.
Youth Group Bible Study is scheduled on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. in the school classroom. Snacks will be served. Bring your Bible.
Bible Study at 9:00 a.m. is scheduled on Sundays in the Sunday school classroom.
Women’s Bible Study is on recess until Sunday, September 8th.
The Youth Group and Acolyte Breakfast is scheduled on Sunday, May 19th at 9:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall.
Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist at 8:30 a.m.
Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.
Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass. There are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel. See the links listed below.
Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://www.myEoffering.com with our secure vendor Church Envelope Budget Company, who provides you with yearly offering envelopes. Please do NOT leave any envelopes with checks/cash unattended at church mailboxes.
PLEASE PRAY. For the sick: Audley, Bernadette, Bishop Curry, Carol, Dennis, Diana, Dorothy, Dudley, Emily, Grace, Heather, Jameson, Jim, Lloyd, Megan, Michael, Pearl, Peggy, Phyllis, Predrag, Robin, Ronald, Shelley, Shirley, Tanner, Teresa, Tom, Violet. For the departed: Heather Abercrombie. For birthday celebrations: Megan Muir, Michel Guillaume, Charles Jackson, Jackie Algood, George Pinnock, Chris LaBorde. For anniversary celebration: Thomas and Christine MacVicar. For our search committee Howard Barrett, Jenifer Elmore, Janice Jacques, Kristi Lee, Sera Peat, Yvonne Wolliston, Cecil Wray.
Vestry Members: Howard Barrett – Senior Warden, Laurette Bagley, Kenneth Barnett, Jenifer Elmore, Matthew Hogan, Karlene Kiminyo, Chris LaBorde – Secretary, Linda McKeown, Irene Oknewski, John Webber – Junior Warden, Yvonne Wolliston, Dennis Wright – Treasurer.
WEEKLY MESSAGE – May 3, 2024
WEEKLY MESSAGE – May 5th – Bishop McGregor
Last week, I talked briefly with one of the students at St. David’s School towards the end of the day. He greeted me with a big smile and began talking to me as if we were friends. His mother was stunned and shocked about the fact that he was talking to me. Her mouth was wide open, and her head was bobbing at him and then at me and then back to him while we conversed. After a minute or so, she couldn’t take what was happening any longer and she looked straight at me and said, “He doesn’t talk to people.” It was a breath of fresh air for her to see her son being at ease talking to me, asking questions, and sharing his life. I found this time holy, sacred, and yet ordinary. This time was holy and sacred because of our acknowledgment of God’s presence in space and time with us. It was ordinary because it was a normal part of our daily lives to interact with others.
It’s significant for us to find sacred and holy moments in the ordinary spaces we live and move. It’s important that we ask ourselves each day, where is Jesus in my ordinary life? I pray that we invite Jesus into our spaces each day, waiting to see what he does.
Serving Christ Together,
+Todd
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sandwiches for St. George’s: Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot on Wednesday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Vestry. Next week will be hosted by the Congregation.
The Sunday school children will sing a song at the 10 a.m. service this Sunday.
Mother’s Day Hospitality Hour on Sunday, May 12th will be hosted by the men of the church. We need men to help with the setup, serve and clean up as well as donate food items to be served. Please contact Glenn Bresnahan to sign up and for more information at 561-312-3111, or email him at Glenn.bresnahan@laborfinders.com.
The Youth Group and Acolyte Breakfast is scheduled on Sunday, May 19th at 9:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall.
Choral Evensong is scheduled on Sunday, May 19th at 4:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall. We need donations of food and beverage. A sign-up sheet will be available outside the church before and after both services this Sunday and next Sunday the 12th.
St. David’s Annual Dinner Dance will be held on Saturday, June 22nd at 6:00 p.m. – 11 p.m. at the Village Walk Town Center Club, located at 2500 Village Walk Circle, Wellington. The theme is Black and White Masquerade with Music through the Decades. Tickets are $100 per person which includes an open bar. For more information and tickets, please contact Dennis Wright at 203-482-5079, Laurie Cohen at 561-262-9898, or Yvonne Elliott at the church office 561-793-1976.
As a service to our parishioners and community, St David’s is introducing a Service of Healing for those who are suffering in mind and spirit – maybe from the loss of a loved one, mental, physical or emotional sickness. This service starts on May 19 (Pentecost) right after the 10am service and will continue on the third Sunday of every month
Sunday school is open and available for children starting at age 3 years old. We would love to have new teachers in our Sunday school, if you are interested in helping, please contact Katie Waters at katiewaters@hotmail.com.
Bible Study at 9:00 a.m. is scheduled on Sunday in the Sunday school classroom.
Women’s Bible Study is scheduled on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. in the Mark Room.
Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist/Morning Prayer at 8:30 a.m.
Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.
Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass. There are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel. See the links listed below.
Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://www.myEoffering.com with our secure vendor Church Envelope Budget Company, who provides you with yearly offering envelopes. Please do NOT leave any envelopes with checks/cash unattended at church mailboxes.
PLEASE PRAY. For the sick: Audley, Bernadette, Bishop Curry, Carol, Dennis, Diana, Dorothy, Dudley, Emily, Grace, Heather, Jameson, Jim, Lloyd, Megan, Michael, Pearl, Peggy, Phyllis, Predrag, Robin, Ronald, Shelley, Shirley, Tanner, Teresa, Tom, Violet. For the departed: Dolores Leach. For birthday celebrations: Ella Falco, Donna Halle, Helena Bresnahan, Ryan Greener. For anniversary celebrations: Charles and Jenifer Elmore, Joseph and Heather Servos, Jackie and John Algood. For our search committee Howard Barrett, Jenifer Elmore, Janice Jacques, Kristi Lee, Sera Peat, Yvonne Wolliston, Cecil Wray.
Vestry Members: Howard Barrett – Senior Warden, Laurette Bagley, Kenneth Barnett, Jenifer Elmore, Matthew Hogan, Karlene Kiminyo, Chris LaBorde – Secretary, Linda McKeown, Irene Oknewski, John Webber – Junior Warden, Dennis Wright – Treasurer, Yvonne Wolliston.